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Sri Lanka reiterates not to allow foreign judges in war probe

Xinhua, June 13, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Sri Lankan government on Monday reiterated that it will not agree to have foreign judges in the domestic accountability process over its civil war and only accept technical assistance.

Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Faizer Mustapha said that President Maithripala Sirisena has been very clear that war crimes did not take place in Sri Lanka.

He said that some groups are however attempting to give the impression that a war crime investigation will take place in Sri Lanka with the participation of foreign judges.

"The president has said earlier and even now that he will not invite foreign judges but will accept technical assistance," he said.

The comment comes as the UN Human Rights Council begins meeting in Geneva where Sri Lanka will also be discussed.

Council members had last year urged Sri Lanka to allow the participation of foreign judges in the process to investigate the last stages of a 30 year war between Tamil Tiger rebels and the army.

Mustapha said that the resettlement of war displaced people in the North and East will take place as promised.

Some political parties have been saying the army will not be withdrawn from civilian property to resettle the displaced families.

The Minister said the army should not be used to achieve political goals and added that the army will continue to safeguard the country's National security. Endit